How can having an atrial septal defect, or ASD, affect a baby’s growth and development? Specifically, could an ASD be responsible for feeding issues? What are the dangers of surgeons operating on a baby too soon if their congenital heart defect (CHD) is an ASD?

Amna Saeed Salman is the author of Style Stripped, a prominent fashion and lifestyle blog in Pakistan. She is also Mom to beautiful 4-year-old twin boys. One of the boys was diagnosed with a 24mm atrial septal defect at age 1. Amna researched surgery options in England, Pakistan, and America and received differing opinions. Watching her son struggle to keep up with his brother, she decided to go for the surgery when he was 20 months of age. Amna noticed an immediate improvement in her son and today he is thriving.

In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Amna talks with Anna about her son's medical journey, some of the differences between medical treatment of CHDs in Pakistan and abroad, and how she has become a CHD advocate.

Here is a link to an article referencing Amna's blog: https://tribune.com.pk/story/439325/make-way-for-pakistan%E2%80%99s-fashion-bloggers

Here is an article about another team having a medical mission to Pakistan: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/cathlab/content/humanitarian-spotlight-medical-mission-pakistan

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